Apple has introduced the third generation of AirPods Pro, a revision of its flagship wireless earbuds that adds new health features, longer battery life, and more advanced noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 3 are available for pre-order now, with general availability starting September 19.
The biggest change is in noise cancellation. Apple claims the new model blocks up to twice as much sound as AirPods Pro 2 and four times more than the first generation. The earbuds use a redesigned acoustic system, upgraded microphones, and foam-infused tips that improve passive isolation. Transparency mode has also been refined to make outside voices sound more natural, which could help users switch between immersion and awareness more smoothly.
Design has been another focus. After analyzing a large dataset of ear scans, Apple reshaped the hardware for improved stability and added a fifth ear tip size, XXS, to better accommodate different ears. The AirPods Pro 3 also carry an IP57 rating, meaning they can withstand sweat and brief water exposure, making them more durable for workouts and outdoor use. Battery life has been extended to eight hours with noise cancellation turned on — about a third longer than the previous version.
A new addition is health monitoring. Each earbud includes a compact optical heart-rate sensor that uses infrared light to track blood flow. Paired with the iPhone’s sensors and the Fitness app, users can record heart rate, calorie burn, and workout progress across 50 activity types. Apple has also tied the feature into its Fitness+ service, where real-time stats can now be displayed on-screen during workouts.
AirPods Pro 3 also debut Live Translation, a feature that can provide real-time transcription and translation in supported languages. At launch, the tool works with English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with more languages planned by the end of the year. When used with an iPhone, it can display translations visually, while audio translations can be heard directly through the earbuds.
Environmental considerations continue to play a role in Apple’s hardware design. The AirPods Pro 3 use 40 percent recycled materials overall, including recycled cobalt in the battery and a majority of recycled plastics in the case. Packaging is entirely fiber-based, aligning with the company’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030.
In the UAE, AirPods Pro 3 are priced at AED 949. Apple Music and Fitness+ trials are offered to new subscribers with purchase, and extended coverage is available through AppleCare+.
With stronger noise cancellation, fitness tracking, and translation tools, the AirPods Pro 3 expand beyond being just headphones, edging closer to becoming a wearable that blends entertainment, health, and communication.
